Chapter 379: Transition from Old to New (5)_1
"Your Majesty, I am much obliged. After I arrive in the Northern Land, I will certainly not let you down." Mei Hanqing thanked the Emperor as he knelt.
Yuan Yanzhao and the others followed suit by bowing their heads in gratitude.
"Dismissed." The Emperor spoke while yawning, having been worn out after a rigorous night spent with his consort, Xiao Meiren.
The officials left the court in pairs and alone. The Prime Minister quickly caught up with the Crown Prince, "How does Your Highness perceive today’s events?"
"The climate is cold in the Northern Land. Even though the land is vast, let Chu Suifeng stir whatever he desires. Now we should guard against King Chu. However, Chu Suifeng’s elimination of dissenters is something we also need to defend against, as well as trying to find opportunities to win over Mei Hanqing and the others."
To the Crown Prince, the entire Daqin is all within his grasp for the future. With the Emperor’s inconstancies, he cannot let others disrupt his domain. Thus, his stance towards Chu Suifeng was both defensive and appeasing, above all towards to court officials even more so.
Upon returning, Mei Hanqing and the others did not cross paths, each busying themselves instructing their families to pack up their households. What could be sold was sold; what could be brought along was taken.
What reassured the Emperor and the Crown Prince was that it was said Mei Hanqing’s wife and children had caused a scene, seemingly unwilling to accompany him to the harsh Northern Land. However, Mei Hanqing had remained steadfast. After a dispute and persuasion from numerous parties, only then did his wife agree.
In fact, Yuan Yanzhao and the others, coming from humble families, had simpler backgrounds and eventually set off lightly equipped.
A few inconsequential minor officials leaving the court was not of much importance to the Emperor. The Crown Prince knew how to win people’s favor, so when those families left, he not only personally saw them off but also presented them with numerous gifts.